Alcohol Related Diseases

Genetics, gender, body mass, and general state of health, all influence how a person’s health responds to heavy drinking. When body takes in more alcohol than it can metabolize, the excess builds up in the bloodstream. The heart circulates the blood alcohol throughout the body, leading to changes in body chemistry and normal body functions.

Alcohol consumption leads to major health problems including cirrhosis and injuries sustained in automobile accidents. Unfortunately, these are not the only health risks resulting from alcoholism. Researchers linked alcohol consumption to more than 60 diseases.

Facts about chronic heavy drinking

Heavy drinking means more than eight drink per week for women, and fifteen or more for men.

Binge drinking means more than 4 drinks on a single occasion.

Excessive alcohol use is the fourth leading preventable cause of death in the United States.

4% of the global burden of disease is attributable to alcohol.

People who begin drinking at an early age are four times more likely to develop alcoholism than those who begin drinking at or after the age of 21.

Depending on body weight, the blood alcohol level can be at illegal levels after only two drinks.

Research suggests that many of the toxic effects of alcohol are due to the body’s coming in contact with acetaldehyde, the carcinogenic byproduct of alcohol metabolism.

Alcohol related diseases

Here are 5 conditions linked to chronic heavy drinking.

Anemia

Heavy drinking can cause the number of oxygen-carrying red blood cells to be abnormally low. The symptoms are fatigue, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness.

Cancer

Heavy drinking increases the risk of cancer. This happens when the body converts alcohol into acetaldehyde, a potent carcinogen. The cancer risks are much higher when heavy drinkers also use tobacco.